I believe the Panny XR55 has a bi-amp feature for two-channel playback. Why couldn't you use that to drive the subs? The only issue I see is that you would have to build your own low-pass filter for the subs, but at least you wouldn't have to buy plate amps.

Here's a link to the most comprehensive thread on the panny 55 that I have found. There is some discussion of bi-amping.

I think you'll have a hard time producing good, inexpensive bass. Good bass is inherrently expensive. A 'good deal' is a 12" sub for around $100. Fostex drivers are dirt cheap in comparison to the cost of what a good bass driver is. Really, they're a bargain unmatched by any subwoofer. Maybe someone knows of a subwoofer that would do justice to a pair of Fostex's for around $100 or less. I don't know of any. I know you can get subwoofers for cheap, but they generally aren't good at all.

True to a point, but I think the original poster said "musical sub." I'm guessing the inference is that they would be listening to music only, in which case 30-35hz should be perfectly acceptable. The big thing with subwoofers in the HT crowd is sub-20hz and loudness, which is not that important with music (unless you're really into organ music).

You would be surprised at how cheap old used woofers are. Some of them quite good, only needing refoaming. These would work great for music-only systems.

I think the idea is good, as I adopted very similar idea. Only diffrence is that I use Behringer digital crossover between the Pana and the Fostex FR (same as http://www.newformresearch.com/digit...r-packages.htm)
I would still consider my system as low cost, except for the F200A)

Originally posted by LageB I think the idea is good, as I adopted very similar idea. Only diffrence is that I use Behringer digital crossover between the Pana and the Fostex FR (same as http://www.newformresearch.com/digit...r-packages.htm)
I would still consider my system as low cost, except for the F200A)

I just completed above project and I will try post pictures when I find the time.

LageB

I think the Behringer XO is a great idea. My idea is to send a full-range signal to the full-range driver, let the Behringer unit feed the bass unit. You still get the time-alignment, and EQ in the bass freqs, but keep the full-range signal "pure".

On a separate note, I've read a lot of good things about the Yamaha servo-powered subs. One or two of those might represent a pretty low-cost bass solution.

I picked up a pair of 8" subwoofers from madisound for $20 each. F3 in a ported box is around 35hz which will be fine for music. I just need to find a good deal on a sub plate amp. The $50 MCM amp is sold out.

As far as using the biamp from the XR55 you wouldn't be able to use the highpass. Highpassing the fostex's anywhere from 100hz-200hz really makes them sing.

The only downside to this system is the bass below 150 is mono, I don't think that is a problem because the stereo effects from bass notes are usually at higher frequencies (overtones.)

If 150hz is too high the panasonic can also do a 100hz crossover. But that would require a BR enclosure for the Fostex instead of sealed. My understanding is subs integrate better to sealed mains.

I heartily agree with your premise. It would seem a very sensible budget solution. I have used a pair of XR25's downstream of a DCX2496 and a DEQ2496 to triamp a widerange (FE 168 Sigma or Stephens FR80) with sub-bass and high treble assist on big OBs. I can vouch both for the amplifiers and for the benefits of highpassing a Fostex.

Here's an idea for an even more frugal front end--the Koss KS5192. For about a hundred bucks, you get a receiver with --I believe-- the same TI amplification chipset as the XR series, plus a built-in multi-format CD/DVD transport.

Originally posted by regal As far as using the biamp from the XR55 you wouldn't be able to use the highpass. Highpassing the fostex's anywhere from 100hz-200hz really makes them sing.

I've asked just such a question on AVS. If the Panny won't do it, why can't you put an external high pass on the Fostex's and a low pass on the subs? Sort of like a roll your own cheap Behringer, but perhaps the Behringer is the better solution.

I've asked just such a question on AVS. If the Panny won't do it, why can't you put an external high pass on the Fostex's and a low pass on the subs? Sort of like a roll your own cheap Behringer, but perhaps the Behringer is the better solution.

Doug

Do you mean with passives? It would require very large expensive capacitors and inductors.

If you mean active, this would mean using a DAC from the DVD/CDP which you don't want to do with the panny. With the panny in order to get the "special" sound you have to use the digital in which means no active xovers between it and the CDP.